Design a spacing and layout token system for a Figma design system. Use when asked to create a spacing system, define layout tokens, set up a grid system, build a spacing scale, or establish layout foundations for a Figma file. Produces a complete spacing scale, grid definition, component spacing conventions, and Figma implementation guide.
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Use figma-spacing-system to create a spacing and layout token system for [design system name] on [platform] at [component density], including a responsive grid, component conventions, and Figma implementation guidance.
Required inputs
[design system name]
[platform]
[component density]
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SKILL.md
name: figma-spacing-systemdescription: "Design a spacing and layout token system for a Figma design system. Use when asked to create a spacing system, define layout tokens, set up a grid system, build a spacing scale, or establish layout foundations for a Figma file. Produces a complete spacing scale, grid definition, component spacing conventions, and Figma implementation guide."
Figma Spacing System Skill
Produces a complete spacing and layout token system — the foundation that makes a design system consistent and developer handoff unambiguous.
Required Inputs
Platform (iOS / Android / Web / Multi-platform)
Base unit (4px / 8px — default to 8px)
Design system name (for token naming)
Component density (compact / standard / comfortable)
Grid requirements (or "derive from platform standard")
Output Structure
1. Base Unit
[4px or 8px] with rationale. All values must be multiples.
Create SPACING page documenting each token visually
Resources > Variables > create Number collection named Spacing
Apply variables to Auto Layout padding/gap values
Share token names with engineers as-is or via Tokens Studio
6. Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Values not on the scale (13px, 22px) — round to nearest token
Absolute pixel values in components instead of tokens
Mixing 4px and 8px base units in the same product
Quality Checks
All token values are multiples of the base unit
Scale covers xs through 4xl
Grid defined for all relevant breakpoints
Component conventions cover common decisions
Figma implementation steps included
Anti-Patterns
Do not create a spacing scale with arbitrary values — the scale must follow a consistent mathematical ratio (e.g. 4px base, 8-4-2 system)
Do not define spacing tokens without Figma implementation instructions — token names alone are not actionable
Do not create a spacing system that doesn't account for component-level spacing conventions — global tokens and component usage must both be documented
Do not skip grid definitions — spacing without a grid system is incomplete layout foundation documentation
Do not produce a spacing system that ignores responsive behaviour — define how spacing adapts across breakpoints
Example Trigger Phrases
"Create a spacing system for our Figma design system"
"Define our spacing tokens for Figma"
"Set up a grid and spacing scale for [product]"
"What spacing values should we use in our design system?"
"Help me build the layout foundation for our Figma file"